The orchestra’s musicians union says its members voted to unanimously authorize a strike if contract talks don’t advance toward an agreement.

Musicians’ negotiator Dennis Fick tells The Journal Gazette (http://bit.ly/1h8CA15 ) that orchestra management has proposed to cut base salaries from about $27,000 to less than $17,000 and reducing from 44 to 27 the number of full-time musicians.

The orchestra is facing a $2 million budget deficit. Fick says management is directing too much of the spending cuts toward the musicians rather than administration costs.

Philharmonic president J.L. Nave says he’s committed to reaching an agreement and is looking forward to Saturday’s opening-night concert.